Fortunately, there are several elements, such as recessed lighting, light wall colors, mirrors, and glass tables that can make your current spaces appear more open and expansive. However, it is the kind of flooring you pick that plays the most prominent role. Whether you choose carpet, tile, hardwood or vinyl, a well-thought choice can help you add the appropriate aesthetics and maximize the space.

So, if you are looking for the perfect flooring for those small nooks of your home, here are five smart tips to help you:

1. Choose Lighter Hues

Everyone knows that pale and light colors on the walls make the room appear bigger and brighter. The same rule applies to the color of flooring you select. Light and airy tones such as ivory, cream, or beige in carpets add elegance and openness to the space provided they are stain-resistant.

Blue, teal, and earthy tones in tiles give uplifting vibes. Blonde, light brown and whitewashed options in wood also do the same trick.

2. Use Elongated Planks

In case, you have decided to go for laminate or hardwood flooring, install the planks parallel with the longest dimension of the room. That way, you will be able to create a lengthening effect and make the room look larger than it is.

So, pick longer wooden planks for family and dining room and skip on those smaller and thinner options that can create a feeling of claustrophobia.

3. Prefer Gloss Over Matte

Another trick to achieve a larger visual appearance of your tiny room is to get glossy finishes for flooring rather than matte texture. Non-shiny floors tend to create a subduing and compact effect while the satin finish of glossy floors gives a brightening effect to even the gloomiest rooms.

Besides, it is easier to clean and maintain the glossy floors in comparison to mattes; hence, you can keep them looking new forever.

4. Avoid Intricate Patterns

Flooring with lots of detailing draws the eye straightaway towards it and give a cluttering effect to the room. Due to this reason, it is best to avoid the usage of finely detailed floors in your tiny areas.

Instead, search your flooring store for geometric styles with big design elements to allow the eyes flow smoothly around the space.

5. Consult a Flooring Specialist

While it is tricky to choose a suitable type of flooring for your small spaces, you can look for inspirations online or contact a flooring professional who can give you creative solutions to all problems after considering the design elements of your home.

If you want more information and flooring advice, contact our qualified experts at any time.

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So, to help you throughout the process, here are five failed attempts that can make a mess of your home and needs to be avoided in the year ahead:

#1 – Investing in the flooring without evaluating your needs and lifestyle

Different floor types are meant for different areas of the home – there is nothing like one-solution-fit-all. Thus, first, consider the level of wear and tear expected in your home and then go about choosing a particular flooring type. Also, think about the safety aspects of flooring to prevent your children or elderly parents from falling or hurting themselves.

#2 – Buying poor quality flooring material

When it comes to picking material, a lot of homeowners forget is that it is the quality of flooring that will help it in standing the test of time. People often make a decision based solely on visual appearance and soon replace it because of loss in beauty and cheap quality. And ultimately, the initial move taken to save money ends up spending more than what you planned for.

#3 – Falling for advertisement stunts

The market is full of flooring companies that claim to be the best. They offer hard-to-believe prices, on the spot discounts only to lure more customers. In reality, no contractor or company gives you anything for free. There are certainly hidden costs involved that often come as a surprise with the bill at the end of the day. Therefore, it is always recommended to get estimates from more than one flooring company and compare the bottom line prices for striking a profitable deal.

#4 – Giving too much importance to current flooring trends

While it is good to explore new patterns, colors, and designs for your flooring; it is better to choose something that is minimalistic and timeless as the installation of new floors is expensive and has to last for years to come. Don’t buy something that becomes out-of-style in a short amount of time. Rather, invest in a flooring type that is classic and is forever in trend just like dark grain patterned wood floors.

#5 – Not hiring flooring installation professionals

You may buy the best quality of flooring from the renowned manufacturers, but if it is not installed properly, there will be a myriad of issues that will not let the flooring last long. Hence, when you are paying so much money in purchasing new floors, ensure a correct installation as well. Don’t cheat yourself by cutting corners with low-quality installation or trying the amateur DIY tricks. Instead, contact the floor installers that specialize in this field and give you the best possible results you desire for.

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Hardwood is one of those timeless flooring types that can last you decades if you look after it properly. Though these floors are designed to withstand the heavy traffic and hardwear, you still have to take precautionary measures to protect it from all sorts of damage and keep it in a new condition for years to come.

While you contemplate the ways to maintain the wooden floor in your house, here are some easy and yet very effective methods of doing so:

Routine Cleaning

• Floor Refinishing Toronto is the key to protect and maintain your floor’s appearance. You can do that easily by developing a habit of dusting your floor daily with a microfiber cloth. Of course, you can sweep with a broom, but microfiber mop pads would trap the dirt, dust particles, pet hair and other allergens more effectively.
• After that, use a vacuum having a soft-bristled brush attachment. You can choose to vacuum daily or weekly – depending upon the footfall in your home. However, be cautious when moving the vacuum from one place to another as its wheels can scratch the finish of the floor if you are not careful.
• Once done, go ahead with damp-mopping with a chemical-free cleaner. Don’t use plain water. Instead, mist the mop head with a minimum amount of cleaner and clean the floor. Also, read the manufacturer’s recommendations carefully so that you don’t end up damaging your precious floor.

Regular Maintenance

• Most hardwood floors have polyurethane surface finishes to seal and protect the wood underneath and give it a glossy appearance. But, the daily wear and tear leaves behind abrasions and makes the surface look dull. That is why experts recommend polishing every two to three months with a buffing pad to restore the condition of the flooring.
• For the floors with a polyurethane surface finish, you would be required to reapply the coat every three to five years (depending on the amount of foot traffic) to bring back the lost shine. In case, there are deep scratches, gouges, or discoloration present; you would be required to sand it first and then refinish it. Consider contacting a professional to do this task.
• Also, put down protective rugs and mats on the wood floors to cut down the amount of dirt and debris on the floor. Place them both inside and outside your doors and in other high-traffic areas of your house. Be sure you use the ones specifically made for hardwood floors and shake them often to prevent dust build-up.

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Hardwood is often deemed as a “high maintenance” material. However, every flooring material needs some care and maintenance. Whether you choose tiles, carpet, or wood, your floors take on a lot—from daily traffic to inevitable spills and mishaps. So, to keep your floor in good shape, you need to put in some effort.

Once installed properly, your wooden floor would require regular attention to keep them in pristine condition. The most important thing in maintaining hardwood floors is using the right cleaning method. To determine the best method for cleaning your floor, you should first learn about its finish. The cleaning method of waxed wood floors and those coated in polyurethane is quite similar. The only difference is that for cleaning waxed floors, you should use a waxing compound that can remove dirt while adding a coat of fresh wax. Polyurethane-coated floors can be cleaned with plain water and a mild cleaning solution. Now, let’s take a quick look at some smart cleaning methods to maintain your floors.

1. Daily Cleaning

For high-traffic areas, regular cleaning is important. You can simply use a broom or dust mop for a quick clean. Dusting your floor with a microfiber mop or cloth is sufficient for removing dust, dirt, and pet hair that might scratch the floor surface. Microfiber cleaning pads are great for quick daily cleanup because it uses static electricity to trap dust particles and other household allergens. Also, make sure to immediately wipe off spills to avoid staining. You can use a dry or slightly damp cloth for wiping.

2. Weekly Vacuum

At least once a week, you should vacuum clean your home. Vacuuming helps in removing dust and dirt that you missed while sweeping. It will clean the harder to reach areas that a daily dusting can’t reach. After vacuuming, use a slightly damp mop for a complete cleanup. However, make use to avoid using excessive liquid on your floor.

3. Monthly & Yearly Maintenance

When you notice signs of dullness, you can think of polishing. After every few months, you can use the manufacturer’s recommended polish for filling in microscopic scratches and giving it a refreshed look. And when your hardwood floors need a new life, you can refinish it. You can give a new life to your floors by sanding and refinishing it every 3-5 years.

4. Use Protective Pads

The best way to protect your hardwood floors from scratches is by using furniture pads. It’s advised to place floor mats both outside and inside exterior doors to protect floors from outside mud and dirt.  Mats and rugs can also be placed below the legs of your chairs, sofas, and tables to prevent scratches.

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Having said that, proper care and maintenance of wood floors are vital if you want them to look beautiful and stand the test of time. Apart from routine cleanings such as sweeping, dust mopping, or vacuuming, you have to observe a few preventive measures so as to enhance the performance and sustainability of the floor.

Consider the following maintenance tips to protect your investment:

Cleaning Wood Floors

• Regular Dusting

A great advantage of having wood floors in your home is that they don’t trap dirt, pet hair or other household allergens like carpets. However, they do require dusting on a daily basis. Experts recommend using microfiber mop pads instead of using a broom. It is because sweeping can at times causes scratches and damage to the floor.

• Vacuuming

Other than the dusting, using a vacuum with soft-bristled floor-brush attachment once a week helps you get rid of the debris that leads to quick abrasions on the floor. But you should keep a close eye on the vacuum’s wheels, as they can harm the surface if you don’t pay enough attention. Besides, avoid a vacuum with a beater bar attachment at all costs because it directly impacts the finish of the floor.

• Damp Mopping

Sometimes dusting and vacuuming aren’t just enough, especially when you encounter frequent liquid spills. Having any kind of liquid pooling on your floor can deteriorate the floor immensely. Thus, it is essential that you clean up the spills immediately with a damp flat mop and a cleaning solution made specifically for hardwood.

Maintaining Wood Floors

• Using Protective Rugs

Laying mats and rugs can drastically reduce the amount of depreciation your hardwood floors go through. Positioning them in high-traffic areas prevents debris build-up, denting and other sorts of surface damage. Using additional mats by the kitchen sink acts as a moisture barrier and in the living room becomes the protectors to furniture, hence reducing the wear down of the floor.

• Polishing

Generally, the wood floors are given polyurethane surface finishes as means of protection and maintain a glossy shine. But the heavy footfall in your home eventually leaves visible scratches and makes the surface look dull. Polishing your floor every two to three months refreshes the appearance of the floor by bringing back its lost shine.

• Refinishing

Recoating every three to five years is another great hack to revive your wood floor. This process involves applying an entirely new coat of wood finish on your current floor. It may get little expensive but the kind of look it generates is worth the money.

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Are you also planning to get new flooring installed at your place? If yes, then you should consider bamboo flooring because of the following benefits attached to it:

1. Bamboo flooring is durable – Bamboo flooring is highly durable and has strength similar to that of Oak flooring. Out of different bamboo flooring types, Strand Woven Bamboo is extremely strong and hard-wearing because of the way it has been constructed. Also, it is twice as hard as oak. If your place is prone to high traffic, then bamboo flooring is the best choice that you can make. Moreover, these days it is used as popular flooring in many commercial projects because of its durability. It is dimensionally stable, which means it can face the temperature and humidity changes and can fit into any subfloor in different ways.

1. Bamboo flooring is easy to install – Bamboo is so easy to install that you can do it by yourself too. Moreover, it is ready to install when you buy it, so you need not pay extra for its installation. If in case, you don’t want to install by yourself, then hiring an installer for bamboo flooring is also a pocket-friendly option. It is cheaper as compared to other floorings. Thus, it helps in saving a lot of time and money.

1.  Bamboo flooring is eco-friendly – If you are the one who is concerned about the future of planet earth? Then consider bamboo flooring. It is because it is the greener and thus eco-friendly choice that you can make for your place. Now you might be curious to know how bamboo is a green choice. So let us look at the reasons.

• It is natural.
• It is highly renewable. Unlike other plants, you can harvest it after five years of planting.
• Most importantly, it can regenerate. So, the plant is not destroyed.
• It helps in maintaining the stability of the soil as you need not unearth the plant.
• It can gently be harvested with hands without the need for any machines.

4. Bamboo flooring requires low maintenance – In busy day-to-day life, who has time to look after everything? The bamboo flooring can make your life easier as you need not spend a lot of time on cleaning your floor. It can easily be cleaned by sweeping and mopping. Moreover, bamboo does not promote dust.

5. Bamboo flooring is affordable – When one plans to get new flooring installed, then it is obvious that they will look for a high-quality yet affordable option. In that case, bamboo flooring is the best choice that you can make. Moreover, the cost spent on its installation and labor is also very low.

The post Major Benefits of Bamboo Flooring You Should Know appeared first on Aspen Wood Floors.

The flooring you select will determine the overall look and feel of your home. It will not only impact the aesthetic of your house but also affects your level of comfort. Now you may wonder how to choose the right flooring material that fulfills all your needs.

If you don’t want to take any risk, go for solid hardwood flooring. Thousands of people are still opting for the wood floors because nobody can ever go wrong with hardwood. This traditional and elegant flooring material can bring a level of beauty and sophistication to any room.

Hardwood floors are not only timeless but also offer numerous other benefits. So when you are ready to upgrade the outdated flooring throughout your home, solid hardwood flooring can be a great choice for your project. Here are some amazing advantages of installing the hardwood floors.

Durability & Longevity

Hardwood is known as a durable material and can withstand weather roughness and dust. Hardwood is sturdy and less vulnerable to damage than other types of flooring. It doesn’t get easily scratched by pets and can sustain normal wear and tear. When properly cared for, hardwood flooring can last for generations. The durability and sturdiness of hardwood make it the perfect option for heavy foot traffic. Moreover, hardwood floors with polyurethane and acrylic urethane finishes can even eliminate the risk of mold problems. This material can also sustain the rough movement and you can bring the floor back to life by refinishing it.

Great Looks

Hardwood floors never go out of style because this material looks splendid. Hardwood can complement every style, theme, and color of decor. Hardwood is available in abundance of styles, grains, and colors to match every style and décor. These floors can bring vibrant and rich appearance to your home interior. Moreover, you also have an option to refresh its look with a buff and coat or refinishing.

Add Value to Home

When you choose hardwood, you increase the value of your home. The home with hardwood flooring look luxurious and homebuyers get attracted towards it. Installing oak or cider wood floors may cost you more but you can expect to get back up to 78% of the floors initial cost. The properties with hardwood floors are generally sold much faster and easier. Since hardwood is durable, your home will look new to your potential buyers and they will pay you more.

Low Maintenance

Hardwood is a preferred choice of homeowners because it is easy to clean and maintain. Unlike other floorings like carpet, hardwood can be cleaned with little sweeping and light mopping. Wood doesn’t accumulate much dirt, dust or debris which means you don’t need to put in much effort to keep it looking great. This material is also a great choice for anyone with allergies.

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Amidst such an array of flooring options, choosing the right option is no easy task. Almost all types of flooring looks great in the reference images and picking the best can get challenging. The mindset of comparing one alternative to another is carried by the homeowners at all times and is justified to have complete clarity before making their final decision.

Typically the choice of flooring depends highly on your lifestyle, budget, appearance and maintenance of the floor. On similar parameters, you can draw out a conclusive comparison between engineered wood flooring and laminate flooring. Keep reading further to draw out a crystal clear picture.

Basic Difference

Engineered wood, also known as man-made wood is actually a replacement to real hardwood. It is essentially composed of a range of derivative wood products bonded or fixed together with adhesives. It is a cheaper but equally durable alternative to solid wood.

Laminate flooring, on the other hand, comprises of high-density fiber boards at the inner core strengthened with resin. Unlike engineered wood, laminate doesn’t use natural wood on top rather use a protective photographic layer to form a finished product.

Appearance

While both laminate and engineered wood floors are pretty diverse in terms of styles and textures, engineered wood is a go-to option for the majority of people. It is because laminate flooring usually has a high-gloss appearance and that makes it look artificial whereas engineered wood is created with a thin slice of real wood that has a natural wooden feel to it. Engineered wood tends do get dull over time but it shouldn’t be a cause of worry as it can be sanded and refinished just like real hardwood to bring back its lost shine.

Budget

It is important to consider your budget constraints when making a choice between engineered wood and laminate flooring. Though both options are cheaper than the real wood, laminate is slightly inexpensive than engineered wood. Laminate flooring can cost you $1 to $5 per square foot whereas for engineered wood flooring you might have to spend somewhere around $3 to $13. Laminate is clearly a better choice for people who want don’t want to spend much.

Maintenance

Carrying out regular maintenance is must if you want your floors to bear the test of time. The type of floor you choose determines the kind of cleaning you need to keep it looking great for years to come. Laminate flooring consists of a synthetic layer on the top which is smooth and can be cleaned by simply wiping and mopping off the dust but refrain from using excess water or detergent-based cleaners as it can cause severe abrasions on it. Engineered wood can be difficult to maintain as it cannot withstand high moisture levels and tends to warp easily. Although it can be conveniently mopped, its long term maintenance involves hassles just in like in the case of real wood.

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For hundreds of years, hardwood has remained the most preferable option for flooring. This timeless classic not only has high-end appeal but its versatile nature also adds value to any home. There are in fact, several reasons that make hardwood flooring a popular choice among both residential and commercial property owners. So, if you’re also planning to build or renovate your house, here are some great benefits of installing hardwood floors. It is because of the following 5 benefits that hardwood is considered a wise choice for any project.

1. Durability

Floors are often treated harshly which means you need a durable material. Harwood is available in various different types of wood that can stand the test of time. The durability of hardwood ensures to handle heavy foot traffic. Moreover, after years of installation when floors suffer scratches and dents, it can be removed with sanding and refinishing to give it a brand new look. If properly maintained, hardwood floors can last for years and years.

2. Easy to Clean & Maintain

Cleaning and maintaining floors can be a headache for homeowners. But when it comes to hardwood, homeowners get the benefit of ease of cleaning. Unlike carpets that accumulate dust and require regular vacuuming, hardwood can be quickly and easily cleaned. You can mop and wax the floor to remove dust, dirt, and pet hair. Little efforts are enough to make your floors shine like brand new again.

3. Timeless Beauty

There’s no denying of the fact that hardwood floors look amazing. The charm and elegance of this material can add style to any home. Hardwood can compliment almost every home decor style, be it rustic, elegant, historical, or modern. Hardwood comes in a variety of finishes, species, and stain colors which means you can find an option that perfectly fits your different rooms, style of your furniture, décor and overall appearance of your home.

4. Variety of Choices

People love that fact that wood has its own natural pattern which means every floor will be different and unique. Moreover, the choices of species, colors, stains and finishes are innumerable which means you can decorate each of your rooms separately. Depending on your personal taste and budget, you can choose between various styles and species. Also, you get the option to change the color by refinishing it several times. Hardwood also gives the plenteous choice of finishes such as oiled, wire brushed, hand scraped, old world finished and many more.

5. Increases Your Home’s Value

Hardwood flooring is also a good investment because it increases the potential resale value of your home. Homes that have this type of floors are preferred by homebuyers because it instantly enhances the overall appeal of the house. So, if you’re planning to sell your home in future, hardwood flooring can help you sell faster at a higher price resulting in a good return on your investment.

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So, if you are planning to buy hardwood flooring for your home, then there are specific things that you should keep in mind.

The following are tips by a pro that you should consider when shopping for Hardwood Flooring.

1. Determine if you need a contractor –

Firstly, it is essential to decide whether you want to install flooring by yourself or you want to hire professionals for hardwood floors. If you do not know about it and it is an entirely new thing to you then prefer hiring a contractor. No doubt, hiring professionals take extra charges but it will give you long-term benefits. Experts have the experience, and hence according to your requirements, they can suggest in a better way. So, don’t forget to ask vendors if they have contractors or installers for installation or not.

2. Consider your lifestyle –

Nowadays, there is a vast variety of hardwood flooring in the market which is designed to suit the lifestyle of an individual. Think about your daily routine and consider the number of family members while making a selection. If you have kids and pets, then go for distressed and hand-scraped hardwood.

3. Consider your budget –

Don’t forget to set your budget while shopping for the flooring. Also, consider the shipping charges and cost of installation if you are planning to hire a contractor. It will prevent you from unnecessary headaches in the future.

4. Visit multiple vendors –

Before making a purchase visit different stores. Take a quotation from each vendor to make comparisons of charges, services, and quality of flooring before the final selection. Tell your requirements to the vendors and notice whose suggestions and words sound appealing and promising. Also, ask for the toughness of the protective clear coating.

5. Consider the style of your home –

Style and colors of your home will play a vital role in making hardwood flooring selections. Look closely into your furniture and colors of walls so that flooring does not look odd one out in the home. You can even take the suggestion of experts if you are not good at making perfect contrasts. Don’t just go for something that is in trend, try to prefer that hardwood flooring which will never be out-dated. Otherwise, you will stop liking it with time.

These above given five tips can help you in selecting a perfect hardwood flooring for your home. So keep them in mind when you plan to remodel or construct your house. Do consider to take the suggestions of experts, it will help you a lot.

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